ABHILASH YADAV

Duties and Accomplishments as a Mahatma Gandhi National Fellow

During my tenure as a Mahatma Gandhi National Fellow, I have had the privilege of collaborating with the Chief Development Officer of Shahjahanpur district, Uttar Pradesh, India, both as a mentee and a consultant. My responsibilities have spanned across various projects, focusing on skill development, vocational education, and broader development initiatives. With a holistic approach, I have actively contributed to the betterment of the district's populace.

As part of the academic component overseen by the Indian Institute of Management responsibilities involved submitting monthly reports on various topics related to skill development an other allied sectors such as industries and economical scenario.

As part of the duties and roles towards the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship timely information about the various skill development schemes programs and training centers was provided to the ministry.

Skill Development and Vocational Education Initiatives:

• Ground-Level Understanding and Quality Assurance:
  Conducted in-depth research and direct engagement to comprehend the intricacies of the district's skill development ecosystem. Visited training centers and assessed the efficacy of skill development initiatives. Attended assessment programs to ensure the quality of programs and their proper implementation. Communicated visit reports to the Chief Development Officer, Vice Chairman of the district skill council.
• Trainers Survey and Empowerment:
  Executed a trainers survey on orders from the district skill committee. Assessed qualifications and capabilities of trainers in various skill development programs, leading to data-driven enhancements.
• Training of Trainers Workshop:
  Organized a two-day district-level workshop to equip vocational education trainers with a comprehensive understanding of Skill India's vision. Emphasized the entrepreneurial mindset to optimize the utilization of vocational skills acquired during training, empowering trainers to inspire trainees.
• Collaboration with Local MSME for Sustainability:
  Worked closely with local MSME Bamboofied Global, enhancing bamboo-based product production and documentation. Coordinated MSME participation in the SCIFI workshop by SIDBI at IIM Lucknow, resulting in improved marketing and product quality.
• Historical Awareness Initiatives:
  Partnered with Jan Sikshan Sansthan to conduct history and freedom struggle awareness programs in local elementary schools on National Martyr's Day.
• Felicitation Ceremony and City-Wide Rally:
  Organized a program to honor skill development achievers, including trainers and trainees. Commenced with a city-wide rally by skill development students as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, promoting awareness of skill programs.
• Mega Job Fair and Recognition Event:
  Orchestrated a district-wide job fair attended by over 3000 students. Attended by the Uttar Pradesh Finance Minister, the event provided opportunity to the trained candidates of the vocational programs to access employment opportunities at a single platform. The chief guest also recognized exceptional skill development students and provided smartphones to enrolled trainees.
• District-Level Inspection and Quality Control Team:
  Collaborated with the Chief Development Officer to establish a team for inspecting and maintaining quality at various skill development centers.
• Project PRAVEEN: Secondary Education Enhancement:
  Worked with Uttar Pradesh Skill Development Mission to initiate vocational training in government inter colleges. The project aims to equip students with modern vocational skills alongside their school education.
• Correctional Facility Training Programs:
  Collaborated with Uttar Pradesh Skill Development Mission to set up training programs for inmates in correctional facilities. Conducted aspirations surveys to tailor courses.

Contributions Beyond Skill Development:

• Web-Based Water Renovation Verification Platform: Collaborated with the district Panchayati Raj Officer to create a platform for verifying renovation work on deep bore handpumps, ensuring safe drinking water. The initiative gained recognition from the state government.
• Government Website Development: Designed and developed a comprehensive website for the district's development department. The platform serves as an interface for the public and government interaction, contributing to e-governance and digital India initiatives.

• Coffee Table Book Collaboration:
  Partnered with the Times of India group to create a coffee table book highlighting Shahjahanpur district's achievements.
• Community Chess Tournament: Organized a district-wide chess tournament in collaboration with the Robinhood Army NGO. The event promoted sports and the spirit of sportsmanship among over 100 participants.